Beet-topping machine.



PATENTED MAY 17, 1904;

J. H. COAST. BEET TOPPING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED AUG. 18, 1903.

H0 MODEL.

W iigzsszs 20 NITED STATES Patented May 17, 1904.

JAMES H. COAST, OF CORNER, OKLAHOMA TERRITORY.

BEET-TOPPING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 759,863, dated May 1'7, 1904.

Application filed August 18, 1903. Serial No. 169,937. (No model.)

To It whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J AMns H. (Jonsr, a citizen of the United. States, residing at Oorner, in the county of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma 'lcrritory, have invented a new and useful Beet-Topping Machine, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to beet-topping machines, and has for its object to produce a device of this character of simple construction, which will be eflicient in operation and one by which the beets may be rapidly and accurately topped.

To these ends the invention comprises the novel details of construction and combination of parts more fully hereinafter described.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective View of a machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a detail sectional plan.

Referring to the drawings, 1 indicates a table of any suitable form, but preferably rectangular, as herein shown, and sustained by legs 2, the upper ends of which are seated in mortises formed in the sides of the table and. retained therein by screws or the like 3.

1 is a hopper or receptacle disposed upon the rear of the table and covering about half the area of the latter. This hopper preferably consists of a rear end board and side boards united by any suitable fastening de vices and sustained upon the table by framebars 5. The table constitutes the bottom of the hopper, which is open at its front with the exception of a guard-rail 6, disposed transversely of the table in front of the hopper to prevent the contents of the latter escaping.

7 is aholder or receiver disposed adjacent to the front of the table and consisting of a blank of sheet metal bent longitudinally into transverse concavo-convex form and sustained at its front and rear ends by transverse supporting-blocks 8 and 9, respectively, the upper faces of which are recessed to conform to the curvature of the holder 7, the concaved face of which latter is upwardly disposed.

10 11 indicate a pair of vertical guides or standards disposed upon opposite sides of the provided each upon its inner face with a vertical longitudinal groove 12, while the standard 10 is provided upon its front edge with avertical guidcway 13, formed,preilerably, by a longitudinally-recessed member 14, bolted or otherwise secured to the standard.

15 indicates a frame or carrier mounted for vertical reciprocation between the standards 10 11 and. comprising vertical parallel side bars 16, which slidingly engage the grooves 12, atransverse end bar 17, and a central transverse bar or member 18. This carrier, which is provided at its lower end with a cutting blade or knife 19, the ends of which are seated, and secured in slots formed in the lower ends of bars 16, is adapted for vertical reciprocation by means of a lever 20, disposed within the guideway 13 and pivoted at its inner end to the front edge of standard 11. The lever is slotted longitudinally, as at 21, for the reception of a bolt 22, engaged with member 18, for operatively connecting the lever with the carrier-frame 15.

In operation the beets to be topped are placed in hopper 1 Within convenient reach of the operator, who grasps the lever 20 with one hand and with the other places the beets one at a time upon the holder or receiver 7. As each beet is placed upon the receiver the lever is manipulated for reciprocating frame 15, whereby the knife will sever the top from the beet. At this point it is to be particularly noted that the knife travels in close prox imity to the front of the holder, whereby the latter serves as a guide to insure severing of the beet-top at the proper point. It is also to be noted that the downward and forward. inclination of the holder is such as to bring the beet in proper position for the blade to cut squarely through its top.

From the foregoing it Will be seen that I produce a device of simple construction by which the operation of topping beets may be rapidly and accurately performed. In attaining these ends I do not limit myself to the precise details herein set forth, inasmuch as minor changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is In a device of the class described, the comand having slot-and-pin connection with the intermediate bar of the frame for reciprocating the latter, and a knife carried by the frame and acting at the forward end of the holder. In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto afiixed my signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

JAMES H. COAST Witnesses:

ToM D. MoKEoWN, WV. W. RADER. 

